North Devon locals to receive free Sunday bus travel

North Devon residents and visitors will benefit from free Sunday bus travel this June as part of an initiative to promote public transport and leisure travel.

Starting this Sunday, June 2, the offer will be available on all bus services in and out of Barnstaple, and will continue on June 9 and June 16. 

The free travel is being delivered through the DevonBus Partnership, in collaboration with bus operators Stagecoach and Filers Travel. 

The initiative is supported by Devon County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan using Department for Transport funding.

The goal of this offer is to encourage more people to use the bus for leisure activities, such as exploring the local area, visiting family and friends, and enjoying the North Devon coast without worrying about transport costs.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to North Devon residents thanks to funding from Devon County Council. We recognise the importance of highlighting the benefits of bus travel for both the environment and local economy. By providing free Sunday travel, we hope to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and support local businesses by making it easier for residents to travel.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “This is a great example of how working together through the DevonBus Partnership is helping people in the county. It’s an opportunity for people living in or visiting North Devon to try the free Sunday bus services for a day out. Hopefully people will realise the benefits of bus travel and it will help increase bus patronage locally. Combined with the £2 fare for bus journeys on other days or free travel with a concessionary bus pass, there’s never been a better time to catch the bus.”

Andrew Draper, Transport Manager at Filer's Travel, added: “With free Sunday bus travel throughout June, this is a fantastic opportunity for both residents and visitors alike to get out and explore all the wonderful sights and attractions that North Devon has to offer. We are proud to be working alongside Devon County Council and our fellow bus operators in encouraging everyone to enjoy our region by sustainable public transport.”

The routes included in this offer cover a wide area across North Devon. 

Detailed information about the specific routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach South West website.

This offer, in partnership with Devon County Council, is part of a long-standing commitment to providing reliable and affordable services while working together to enhance the travel experience for passengers and support sustainable travel solutions.

For those travelling by bus Monday to Saturday or elsewhere in Devon, all bus journeys are capped at a £2 single fare until December 2024.